MELBOURNE: Australia are set to host England in a separate celebratory match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2027 to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket. The match will celebrate a century and a half of Test cricket as it was first played between Australia and England in March 1877. Australia won the 1977 Centenary Test, as well as the first ever match, by 45 runs. Additionally, Cricket Australia (CA) has completed the allocation of hosting rights for various men’s international Tests, ODIs, T20Is and other matches over the next seven years, from 2024-25 to 2030-31. The arrangements finalized by CA are part of a series of strategic partnerships between the cricket body and state governments to provide greater access to fans and communities while expanding cricket events nationwide. “We are extremely grateful for the strong support from state and territory governments and venue operators to help us deliver great experiences across the country and maximize the economic impact of these major events,” CA chief executive Nick Hockley told cricket.com. .ow. “The 150th anniversary Test match at the MCG in March 2027 will be a wonderful celebration of the game’s pinnacle format in one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas and we can’t wait to host England on that occasion.” The arrangement also calmed speculation about moving the annual Boxing Day Test from the MCG, a tradition, while the Sydney Cricket Ground would continue to host the New Year’s match. In addition, Adelaide Oval is to host a “Christmas Test” each December starting in the 2025/26 season, which will feature a combination of day and night Tests.
